As a candidate for an administrative position in a school district, you will need to convince potential employers that your experience and strengths make you a great fit for the job. One powerful tool for marketing yourself as an administrative candidate is a document called a Philosophy of Administration and Leadership. In the space of 1-2 pages, it presents a snapshot of your beliefs and attitudes regarding the roles and responsibilities of an administrator, demonstrating your deep understanding of the position as well as your willingness to go the extra mile in meeting the needs of the school district.
Before beginning to write your document, be sure to research the policies and philosophy of the school district. While you don’t want to simply parrot the district’s philosophy, it is essential that your Philosophy of Administration and Leadership falls in line with the stated position of the school district. Your document should reflect the district’s philosophy but also add to it.
A Philosophy of Administration and Leadership should be professional in tone, but it should use your own words and sound conversation rather than stilted. Use present tense, and rely on active verbs to convey a strong message. Avoid relying on jargon; your document should be as simple and succinct as possible.
The following are points that you should consider addressing in your Philosophy of Administration and Leadership.
- What are the core values and beliefs that form the foundation of your approach to administration and leadership? Describe your leadership style (authoritative, democratic, situational, etc.) and explain why you believe this style to be the most effective in educational administration. State what you believe to be the greatest challenges and rewards of administrative work, referring in general terms to your own experience as an administrator or in similar contexts.
- An administrator must wear many “hats.” What are the most vital roles of an administrator, in your experience? Describe the flexibility that is necessary to balance numerous administrative roles such as managing staff, bridging school and community, and strategic planning. What personal qualities are most vital for effective leadership?
- Administrators function as part of a collaborative community. In what ways do you strive to create a collaborative or teamwork atmosphere? What type of working environment do you strive to create? How do you make yourself accessible to your staff? (e.g., Do you believe an “open door” policy is best?) How do you motivate and empower your staff to do their best work? What means of soliciting feedback do you employ?
The final section of your document should describe specifically how you have prepared for taking on an administrative role. Describe skills that you have acquired, specific professional experience that is closely related, and any extra steps you have taken (such as continuing education related to leadership) to hone your administrative strengths. End by expressing your vision of the potential that can be accomplished by an educational community under the guidance of inspiring leadership.
A Philosophy of Administration and Leadership can be a powerful part of a strong job search package. This document can transform you from a “good” administrative candidate to being the right choice for the job.
Need help putting one together? Then, partner with us, we can make the words work to ensure you stand out from your competitors.
Contact Candace candoco@telus.net for more information.
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